Stay & Play

Bodegas Papiamento Lodge, Aruba
A Unique Boutique Stay in a Working Rum Distillery

by Susan Campbell

I was hyper excited to check out everything new in Aruba’s charming and colorful little capital city of Oranjestad recently, the brand new Harbourwalk district beside the cruise terminal across the marina from the Renaissance Marketplace is now awash in vibrant restaurants, bars, and shops. But I was also absolutely intrigued about the new visitor attraction located directly behind it I’d been alerted to – Bodegas Papiamento Distillery.

I’ve been a big fan of locally distilled Bodegas Papiamento Rums for years, and I’m not alone, they’ve won many prestigious international awards for their signature blends. And I personally know Franz Sydow, one of the partner owners, so I asked him for a tour of the new place, and believe me, it’s so much more than a distillery! It’s also a unique boutique B&B!

But first, let’s talk about the distillery itself as an attraction. Housed in what was once an old ice factory, the building has been beautifully restored with a modern industrial chic vibe. Local artists have graced the old stone walls with terrific oversized outdoor art and murals and there’s also a lovely alfresco courtyard garden attached for dining and drinks. In the courtyard is another surprise, a stationary food truck run by MarCo Canteen serving up crudo and Korean BBQ! And wait there’s more! Inside is also a local chocolatier on site called ChocoGlam, a fine cigar emporium, and a great souvenir shop. Then there’s the bar.

Stationed right beside the old wooden barrels and the gleaming new silver vats where the spirit magic happens, their grand wooden bar is where you can partake of the rums and vodka samplings (yes they make artisanal vodka, too), hear the whole story behind the business, and enjoy epic hand-crafted cocktails incorporating fresh produce and herbs they grow at their own local farm. Local is the watchword here. They also offer chocolate and rum tours, and a deluxe tour called “5 Moments-A Gastronomic Journey” where you pair signature cocktails made with their spirits with gourmet food. The boutique stay section is located on the distillery’s second floor.

There are five newly constructed rooms there, each with their own spirits theme, and each individually decorated to suit. All have ocean views and some boast spacious lounge areas. Modern well-equipped kitchenettes, complimentary Wi-Fi, large flat screen TVs, and inviting bathroom nooks round out the offerings, and guests have access to their laundry room, too. Daily breakfast at their Sailor’s Luncheonette is included in the rate, and additional thoughtful amenities include rum and chocolate samples, and essentials like portable chairs, coolers, and towels should you want to go have fun in the sun and sea at one of the beaches nearby. Scads of fine and casual dining, nightlife, museums, and great shopping are within easy walking distance, and the free trolley leaving from the cruise terminal to downtown backstreets, and the public bus terminal, are both steps away, too.

So, yo, ho, ho, if you’ve ever dreamt of staying overnight in a real rum distillery, this is now a reality!

https://bodegaspapiamento.com/lodge